In recent years Google has been attempting to shortcut the world wide web by posting “People also ask” lists of frequently asked questions with their “machine learning omniscient artificial intelligence selected best answers” directly on search results pages so you don’t have to waste time visiting web pages like this one.
Great idea!? Unfortunately, the short, simple, popular answers are sometimes wrong, uninformed or even dangerous despite Google’s perceived infallibility.
Recommending rabies vaccines for anyone in Costa Rica other than bat researchers and cave explorers is crazy expensive (about $1,000 for the series), completely unnecessary and probably irresponsible. There have been seven total cases in more than 50 years and if you are bitten by a bat you can get the inoculation at that time.
The “Google” answer about malaria states “Currently the CDC does not recommend a malaria vaccine” which is B.S. content designed by professional marketers to include the appropriate keywords to fool Google. Malaria vaccines are being developed but still several years away from being available to travelers so obviously not recommended by anyone…
This answer is like saying “NASA does not recommend getting in a car with space aliens who offer you candy.” If at some time in the future we make contact with an alien civilization and they are generous with their confections NASA might take a stand but for now the statement, while true, is meaningless.
I know it’s tantamount to sacrilege but honestly Google is frequently totally full of crap and some questions require more than fifteen words and three seconds to answer well. That said we know busy schedules don’t always allow time for good answers so here are our quickies with links to more significant answers.
What is best currency to use in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican Colon or U.S. Dollars are equally good…more details
Are US dollars accepted in Costa Rica?
Yes.
What shots do you need to go to Costa Rica?
Typically none…exceptions
How expensive are things in Costa Rica?
Some more, some less but overall roughly the same as the U.S., Canada or Europe…read more
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
Yes. Costa Ricans typically do not tip but tourists are expected to…details
What is the average cost of a home in Costa Rica?
3 bd 2 bth – Tico Home in the city – $63,221, Gringo Home near the beach – $283,076…rent or buy?
Can you drink the tap water in Costa Rica?
Yes.
Can I use my credit card in Costa Rica?
Yes. Some are free to use, others charge up to 5% international fees
What is Costa Rica best known for?
Beaches, coffee & wildlife
Do you need malaria pills for Costa Rica?
No.
What diseases can you get from Costa Rica?
Pretty much all of them except Ebola or Yellow Fever.
How much money do you need to retire in Costa Rica?
Rustic minimum $1,250 a month, basic $2,500 a month, comfortable $3,500 – $7,500 a month for two
Is it cheap in Costa Rica?
Not particularly. Costa Rica is slightly less expensive than the U.S., Canada or Europe.
Why do Costa Ricans say pure life?
“Pura Vida” is a ’70s Communist party political slogan which remains polpular
What alcohol is Costa Rica known for?
Guaro (cane sugar bootleg liquor) and Imperial (lager beer)
Is it safe to travel in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica claims to be safest country in Central America which is unfortunately the most dangerous region in the world
Is there yellow fever in Costa Rica?
No
What should I bring to Costa Rica?
Light weight comfortable active wear, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
Do you need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
U.S., Canada or Europe, No Visa required.
How do you say hello in Costa Rica?
Hola, -or- Buenas Dias, Buenas Tardes, Buenas Noches
Why are the people in Costa Rica called Ticos?
Because of a speech habit of adding -ito, -ico as a diminutive
How much alcohol can you take to Costa Rica?
5 liters per person over 18 years of age
What kind of clothes do they wear in Costa Rica?
The same as U.S., Canada or Europe summer fashions typically in tighter fit, brighter colors, higher heels and shorter skirts.